Siwoo Kim "2021 Season Opening Match Ready"... What About Juhyung Kim?

Early Bird Challenge at Safeway Open, Steal Victory Battle, Mickelson Joins, '18-Year-Old Young Gun' Kim Juhyung Invitation

Siwoo Kim will participate in the Safeway Open, the opening event of the PGA Tour 2020/2021 season.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "I gained confidence."

Kim Si-woo (25, CJ Logistics) is starting the new season early. The Safeway Open (total prize money $6.6 million), opening on the night of the 10th (Korean time) at Silverado Golf Course in Napa, California (par 72, 7,166 yards), is the opening event of the 2020/2021 PGA Tour season, the so-called 'fall series' first stage. This year, the postponed majors such as the US Open and the Masters due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have joined, promising a 'super season.'

Kim Si-woo caused a sensation by passing the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School at the young age of 17 in 2012. However, being too young became a hindrance. Due to the 'age restriction (18 years old)' rule, he had to go back down to the Korn Ferry (second-tier) Tour and struggled for three years. He returned to the PGA Tour in 2015, achieved his first career victory at the Wyndham Championship in August 2016, and rose to world stardom by winning 'the fifth major' The Players Championship in May 2017.

Since then, it is notable that he has been suffering from a severe win drought. Last year, he missed the cut 12 times out of 26 tournaments, and this year, he was cut off 8 times in the early stages. From June, he gradually regained his competitive shot sense. The highlight was a tie for 3rd place at the Wyndham Championship, the final regular season event, on the 17th of last month. He started the final day with a 2-stroke lead but faltered with an even-par, leaving some regrets. He finished with a tie for 39th at the first round of the playoffs (PO), The Northern Trust.

This is why Kim Si-woo is looking forward to the 2021 season. He said, "I am satisfied with overcoming difficulties in the first half of the year," and fired up his fighting spirit, saying, "I will strengthen my short game and challenge for my third career win." With most world stars resting ahead of next week's US Open, his chances of winning have increased. The PGA Tour named Kim Si-woo as the '6th favorite to win.' Brandon Steele (USA), the two-time consecutive champion in 2016-2017, is a player to watch. Veterans Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth (both USA) have also joined the field.

Mickelson, in particular, made his debut on the Champions (Senior) Tour on the 27th of last month and immediately won the Charles Schwab Series at Ozarks National, showing an upward trend. He demonstrated a different level of performance with a 'wire-to-wire' victory, leading all three days. Korea is watching for opportunities with 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom), Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics), Bae Sang-moon (34), and Kim Joo-hyung (18, CJ Logistics). Kim Joo-hyung received his second invitation following the PGA Championship.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.